Keeping its clients at heart, Collins Builders transforms the homebuilding experience into something truly beautiful 

Great homes start with good conversation and a shared vision” – says Jacksonville homebuilder, Collins’ Builders. Founded in 2003, the company has provided exquisite craftmanship and outstanding customer service to Northeast Florida for over 22 years, making dreams come true with its bespoke, luxury homes. Placing its customers at the heart of the process, its expertise spans across all corners of homebuilding, from custom architectural conception right through to construction and interior design, and each of Collins Builders’ homes is a work of art, reflective of the personalities and requirements of its clients. To learn more about what makes Collins Builders’ approach so special, Modern Home Builders sat down with Ashley Collins, Owner and Chief Executive Officer, and Olivia Kleman, Architectural Designer, who discussed the business’ ongoing projects and its position in the current market. Before that, however, Ashley kicks off our conversation by sharing insight into the company’s history and his own background within the industry.

Elite service 

“I grew up in a builder-developer family; my father was a custom builder who did everything from affordable housing to high end homes and horizontal development. I grew up a part of that right here in Jacksonville, so I was able to see a lot of what he did and what he experienced,” Ashley begins. “I went to work for a local home builder after I graduated from college in 1999, and from there I worked my way up. By 2002, I completed contractor school and received my license, then established Collins Builders in 2003. We started out as a production homebuilder, building in multiple communities and we experienced enormous growth and success. 

“In 2009, however, things turned. We went through a six-year battle throughout a very difficult economy and construction climate, but during that time we phased out of community builds and focused on off-site construction, from small beach cottages to thousand-acre farms – wherever somebody wanted a custom home built, we did it. We then introduced a full concierge architectural and build service, making us a dream fit for people looking for an elite level of service and quality, no matter the size or scale of the project. We love people and we love the interaction and collaboration with our clients. They revel in the process of going from the architectural planning to pre-construction, construction, interior design, and even to fully furnishing and accessorizing the houses. We take the burden off our customers so that they can truly love the experience.” 

Offering a fully comprehensive service, Collins Builders serves 11 regions across the Northeastern Florida market, currently boasting 13 neighborhoods within its portfolio. Some recent projects that have been particularly notable are within the company’s Ponte Vedra community, the River Landing at Twenty Mile. Situated close to the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, the neighborhood showcases the excellence, craftmanship and exceptional attention to detail that Collins Builders is renowned for, offering the perfect balance of nature’s tranquility with Jacksonville city life. Olivia tells us more about one of the ongoing projects within the neighborhood. 

“We’ve completed one River Landing project that our clients have already moved into, and we have another two currently in construction,” she explains. “One of the projects we’re working on right now is a full two-story block constructed home. Our client relocated from California and wanted a modern interior feel with a classic coastal home architectural design, so we tailored the inside of the home to be sleek and modern, whilst keeping the exterior within the coastal theme. The clients took advantage of every service that we offer, and it’s been an amazing experience to work with them throughout the process. The initial visualization is key to the clients’ experience and enjoyment; from our 3D renderings to virtual reality software, you just can’t compare that to anything else. They can rest with a true understanding of what it’s going to feel like when they’re living in the space, and they gain peace of mind about what they’re investing in.” 

For the remainder of 2025, Collins Builders is focused on streamlining its marketing strategy and extending its arms to more prospective homebuilders across Florida. Committed to empowering its clients every step of the way, the company’s unique approach shines the spotlight on both the present and the future, a strategy that’ll allow it to share its homebuilding prowess for a long time. 

Client-centric philosophy 

“One of the ways that Collins has been successful throughout our 22 years is that we’ve been able to adapt quickly to the ever-changing market. Since 2003, the landscape has changed dramatically and I’ve felt privileged to be a part of that, but what makes us strong is our team’s ability to maximize and focus their talents and skill sets to pivot whenever the market changes,” Ashley explains, reflecting on the journey thus far. “We’re very adaptable; when one sector of the market slows down, we’re able to quickly move to another, never sacrificing our core beliefs as to why we’re doing what we’re doing. Our quality and attention to detail never changes because our client-centric philosophy does not change. 

“My priorities for 2025 are on the marketing aspect, keeping our website up to date with new content and clarity showcasing all our services; I believe that Collins has always stayed ahead of the market when it comes to technological innovation, construction methodologies and architectural and interior design sophistication. In the future, I’d like Collins Builders to be thriving in every aspect, but my desire and focus is on satisfying each client, one at a time. The homes we build are lifetime homes that embody each customer’s tastes, personalities, and lifestyles; they represent a statement to supreme creativity and uniqueness for the client. We have a serving heart mentality here at Collins Builders; our motive is to serve our clients with integrity and professionalism, carrying a humble spirit, in a way that honors the Lord and brings our customers an unforgettable experience that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.” 

“I am extremely thankful for the team that God has given me, and I want each and every day to be a thrill working for Collins Builders,” he finishes. “I believe that we have a responsibility as humans to treat people with integrity and dignity, and to serve them in the way that we’d like to be served with a real stewardship attitude. We have been given these gifts and talents for a purpose, not to be used for ourselves but for others. Whatever tomorrow brings, my focus is on today and how we can deliver the very best service and quality for our clients.”   

www.collinsbuilders.net